KARIEGA – An illegal water extraction operation was halted in Kariega this week following a complaint from a Mosel Neighbourhood Watch member, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, SAPS Kariega said that the complaint was attended to by Metro Police who issued two fines to the alleged suspects.
A statement released by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) stated that the incident occurred on Monday, 26 January 2026, when a vehicle was found illegally extracting water from a municipal fire hydrant in Hugo Naudé Street, Janssensdal.
“The complaint was reported to the Ward 51 office, after which ward councillor Roelf Basson, Metro Police and SAPS were contacted immediately,” the statement said.
Metro Police issued a warning and a R1,000 fine to the individual involved for tampering with municipal infrastructure, while the South African Police Service confiscated the equipment used to extract the water. The equipment was booked in at Kariega SAPS, where a case was opened.
“This serves as a warning to all individuals that the illegal use or theft of water from municipal infrastructure is prohibited and will result in law-enforcement action,” the statement stated.
The Municipality said Metro Police “demonstrates zero tolerance for illegal water trading across the Metro,” warning that such actions pose a serious risk to communities.
“Tampering with fire hydrants reduces water pressure needed for firefighting and emergency response, placing lives and property in danger,” the statement added.
The NMBM said it will continue to act firmly against water theft and urged residents to comply with current water restrictions. Residents were encouraged to report illegal water use to help protect limited water supplies and ensure community safety.
The Municipality further reminded residents that “there are only five legally registered water service providers in the Metro, as listed on the NMBM website”. Only these providers are permitted to deliver non-potable water, and “any other water sales or collections are illegal”.
Owing to declining dam levels, the Municipality reiterated that “the filling of swimming pools and the watering of gardens is strictly prohibited”. It stressed that no municipal water may be used for these purposes.
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